Which type of microtome is commonly used in histology?

The rotary microtome is widely recognized as the most commonly used type of microtome in histology. This instrument excels at producing thin, consistent sections of paraffin-embedded tissue, which is essential for microscopy and diagnostic evaluation. The design of the rotary microtome allows for a rotating blade that moves across the stationary tissue block, typically set at fixed intervals which provide uniform thickness of sections. This capability is crucial because high-quality histological sections must be of even thickness to ensure accurate examination and diagnosis.

The rotary microtome's ease of use and the ability to produce high-quality sections make it a standard in histopathology labs, allowing for efficient preparation of tissue samples for various staining techniques. This precision is essential as it directly impacts the visibility of cellular structures in the stained slides, thereby aiding pathologists in making accurate diagnoses.

While other types such as the sledge microtome, sliding microtome, and ultramicrotome serve specific functions (like for harder tissues or ultra-thin sections for electron microscopy), they are not used as broadly or routinely in general histological practices as the rotary microtome is.